This is an interesting 1933 National Style O single-cone resonator guitar with one distinctive feature: the "rolled-in" f-holes in the top used only for a short time in this period. The 12-fret, rolled f-hole guitars like this are considerably rarer than the earlier "flat cut" or later 14-fret body variations, with less than 1,000 Style 0s made to this pattern in 1933-4. Many players, including the late National scholar Bob Brozman, consider them the best-sounding of all single-cone Nationals.

This guitar's 12-fret brass body is adorned with whimsical sandblasted Hawaiian scenes, in variation #5 as per the Brozman book. The shaded maple neck has a bound "ebonized" maple fingerboard and pearl dot inlay. In 1933 this guitar sold for $62.50, and although that was a not inconsiderable sum at the time, the Style 0 was hard to beat for its combination of volume, tone, and beauty in those economically tough times. The Style 0 remains an enduring classic; a favorite of many players then and now, especially for period musical styles, with the spotlight on early blues.

This is a nice example overall, recently set up with a neck reset and refret, and sounding great. The tuners, tailpiece, and even the fragile decal logo are original with some light wear. The cone and biscuit are the correct modern National replacements, and there is a good-sounding internal pickup mounting.

The only major alteration to the instrument is a jackhole in the typical spot on the lower side for this installation. The finish shows some wear, mostly to the top and coverplate below the strings where some plating is worn down to the brass from play. This Style O has a nice, deep sound with plenty of volume and is an excellent blues machine. A fine example of the enduring appeal of these Depression-era classics. Excellent - Condition.